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Han Xin, "The God Of War" from Han Dynasty (Art of War General)
He is one of the greatest Art Of War generals in ancient China! He was a self-taught military strategist who studied The Art Of War books by Sun Tzu and other military texts of his time.
It's a fact, that without General Han Xin, there would be no Han Dynasty or Emperor Gaozu. Han Xin is considered by many as the best general in the ancient China. He is known as the "God Of War".
Through studying and using the Sun Tzu Art of War and other military texts, Han Xin never lost a battle during the rebellions against the Qin Dynasty and the "Chu—Han Contention" civil war.
It is unfortunate that, as a legendary and undefeated art of war general, he was eventually executed for treason. Let's discover...
Who is Han Xin?
Han Xin was born in 230 to 196 BCE. He was a Chinese military general and politician who served Liu Bang during the Chu–Han Contention.
He is remembered as one of the "Three Heroes of the early Han Dynasty" along with the advisor Zhang Liang and Prime Minister Xiao He.
Han Xin was a brilliant military leader for the strategies and tactics he employed in the art of warfare, he was considered the "God of War".
Born in Huaiyin (today known as Jiangsu Province),
Han Xin lived a childhood in extreme poverty, as his father died early. He was despised by those around him, as he often relied on others for his meals.
Life events that influenced Han Xin
1. An Art Of War Practitioner.
Hanxin had a very keen interest in military strategy and spent his time studying the Art of War military treatises like the Sun Tzu Art of War and practicing sword techniques.
2. Desire to Get Out of Poverty.
Once when he was resting at the river side, he met an old woman living off by washing clothes for people. She saw him and took pity on him and decided to provide him food.
He made a promise to repay her for her kindness after he had made great achievements in life. The old lady just laughed and declined.
3. Ambition.
On another occasion, a smaller-sized hooligan saw Han Xin carrying a sword and decided to challenge him to either kill him or crawl between his legs.
Han Xin knew that he would become a criminal if he killed him, so instead of responding to the taunts, he crawled between the hooligan's legs.
He became a laughingstock in his village.
Several years later, after becoming the King of Chu, Han Xin returned to his hometown, found the woman who fed him and rewarded her with 1,000 taels of gold.
Han Xin also found the hooligan and instead of taking revenge, he appointed the hooligan as a Zhongwei (中尉; equivalent to a present-day lieutenant). He said, "This man is a hero. Do you think I could not have killed him when he humiliated me? I would not become famous even if I killed him then. Hence, I endured the humiliation to preserve my life to achieve great things in the future."
Joined Xiang Liang's Rebel Army
In 209 BCE, Han Xin decided to join Xiang Liang's rebel army when rebellions erupted throughout China to overthrow the Qin dynasty.
After a short term, the rebel leader Xiang Liang died on the battlefield during the battle of Dingtao. And was replaced by his nephew, Xiang Yu.
Han Xin was frustrated because he was not placed in high regard. He remained working as a sentry and prepared meals. He constantly proposed strategies to Xiang Yu but was ignored.
Also, Hann Xin does not see any career advancement under Xiang Yu's leadership.
In 206 BCE, after the Qin Dynasty was overthrown, Han Xin deserted Xiang Yu's army and went to join Liu Bang.
Serving under Liu Bang, the King of Han
When Han Xin was working under Liu Bang's military, he was holding a very lowly position in the army ranking..
One day, he violated the military law and was due to be punished by execution. When it was his turn to be beheaded, Han Xin saw Xiahou Ying, who was one of Liu Bang's trusted generals.
Hanxin said, "I thought the king wanted to rule an empire. Why is he killing valiant men then?".
Xiahou Ying was surprised and decided to spare Han Xin's life and recommended him to Liu Bang.
Liu Bang was not impressed with Han Xin and put him in charge of the logistics and distribution of army food supplies.
During that time, Han Xin met Xiao He (one of Liu Bang's chief advisors), who recognised his talent.
Han Xin is Liu Bang's Chief General
In 206 BCE, Han Xin's boss Liu Bang was granted the title of "King of Han" by Xiang Yu.
Xiang Yu divided the former Qin Empire into the Eighteen Kingdoms, and Liu Bang was relocated to the remote Bashu region (in present-day Sichuan).
Many of Liu Bang's men became unhappy because of the harsh conditions Bashu region.
After spending months in Bashu, many deserted. Meanwhile, Han Xin was expecting Xiao He to recommend him to Liu Bang, but he had not received news for a long time, so he became disappointed and left as well.
When Xiao He heard that Han Xin had left, he immediately rushed to find Han and bring him back and did not manage to inform Liu Bang in time. Xiao He eventually caught up with Han Xin and convinced Han Xin to go back with him.
In the meantime, Liu Bang had a nervous breakdown after hearing a rumour that Xiao He had also deserted him.
While he was relieved when he saw Xiao He returning with Han Xin, he angrily asked Xiao, "Of all those who deserted, why did you only choose to go after Han Xin?"
Xiao He then strongly recommended Han Xin to Liu Bang, saying that Han's talent was beyond comparison.
Eventually, Liu Bang accepted Xiao He's suggestion and held a special ceremony to appoint Han Xin the highest rank, which is the Chief General.
Chief General Han Xin warfare
When Han Xin took charge, many soldiers have deserted. With a smaller group of army and a shortage of supply, he had to strategise a way to wage the war.
Conquering the three Qins
The three Qins were referring to the three former Qin Generals who decided to rebel against their former Qin rulers.
They were awarded the Qin Kingdom after assisting rebel leader Xiang Yu to overthrow the Qin Dynasty. Taking control of the three Qins territory is important, especially Guanzhong.
Guanzhong is ruled by Zhang Han who was the former Chief in General of Qin Dynasty. He was awarded this kingdom by rebel leader Xiang Yu.
Han Xin advised his boss Liu Bang that they could then use Guanzhong as a food-rich base which was grain-rich, populous, easily defensible and ideal for expansion. This food base is useful to logistically supply food to where they wage the war in the Central Plain.
As Sun Tzu's Art of War says,
Hence a wise General makes sure his troops feed on the enemy. One cartload of the enemy's provisions is equivalent to twenty of his, and likewise, a single picul of his provisions is equivalent to twenty of one's own store.
Han Xin ordered his first group of soldiers to pretend to repair the gallery roads linking Guanzhong. This is to distract Zhang Han's army.
The second group of soldiers secretly pass through Chencang and makes a surprise attack on Zhang Han.
Zhang Han was caught off guard and the Han forces emerged victorious. Without delay, Han Xin proceeded to take over Sima Xin and Dong Yi's kingdoms. The strategy employed by Han Xin, known as
"Appearing to repair the gallery roads while making secret advances through Chencang", became one of the Thirty-Six Stratagems.
Battle of Jingsuo
After conquering the Three Qins, Liu Bang commanded Han Xin to lead an army to attack Zhang Han's remnant forces in Feiqiu.
Liu Bang then personally led an army to attack Chu's capital of Pengcheng (present-day Xuzhou, Jiangsu), capturing it in 205 BCE. However, upon hearing that, Xiang Yu took a crack team of 30,000 men from his campaign in the Qi kingdom to retake Pengcheng and defeated Liu Bang by surprise in the Battle of Pengcheng.
Liu Bang lost over 200,000 soldiers and retreated to Xingyang after his defeat.
Liu Bang's Prime Minister Xiao He was placed in charge of Guanzhong and he sent Han Xin to lead reinforcements to help Liu Bang. Most of Han Xin's best soldiers were transferred to Liu Bang.
At the same time, Han Xin defeated Chu forces in the Battle of Jingsuo and drove them east of Xingyang.
Northern Campaign
Han Xin formulated his strategy to conquer the kingdoms of northern China.
This strategy aimed to secure the manpower, food and wealth of northern China for Liu Bang while keeping Xiang Yu distracted in China's Central Plain.
For the Northern campaign,
Han Xin with a smaller army, mostly new recruits were trained and were up against a huge army from the Northern territories.
In 205 BCE, Han Xin with his military art of war strategies managed to capture Wei, Dai, Changshan, Yin, and Qi.
Acting King Of Qi
After successfully taking over most of the Northern territories, Han Xin sent a message to his boss Liu Bang to appoint him as acting King of Qi.
At that time Liu Bang was fiercely engaging in a battle with Xiang Yu.
Han Xin's request made him really angry because he would be expecting Han Xin to head south to assist him in the battle.
However, Zhang Liang and Chen Ping cautioned Liu Bang against rejecting the request, because Han Xin may become discontented and would rebel.
Liu Bang then approved Han Xin's request.
Meanwhile, Xiang Yu sent a message to Han Xin asking him to form an allegiance and declare independence from his boss Liu Bang. Xiang Yu was hoping this move would enable him to win the war.
Han Xin's advisor Kuai Che strongly advised him to join forces with Xiang Yu.
Kuai Che feels that Liu Bang is starting to distrust him because Han Xin has too much power and may be a threat.
However, Han Xin decided to remain loyal to Liu Bang.
Battle of Gaixia
In 203 BCE, Liu Bang came to an armistice with Xiang Yu, known as the Treaty of Hong Canal, which was to divide China into west and east under their respective domains.
Shortly after, Liu Bang renounced the treaty and led an attack on Xiang Yu's forces, which were retreating east.
Liu Bang then requested assistance from Han Xin and Peng Yue in forming a three-pronged attack on Western Chu, but Han Xin and Peng Yue did not mobilise their troops, and Liu Bang was defeated by Xiang Yu in the Battle of Guling.
Liu Bang returned to his territory and strengthened his defences while sending messengers to Han Xin and Peng Yue again, and this time promising to grant them land and titles if they helped him defeat Xiang Yu.
Han Xin and Peng Yue brought their armies to meet Liu Bang in late 203 BCE, and Han Xin suggested using a strategy of "ambush on ten sides" to weaken Xiang Yu's forces before making a final assault.
The plan succeeded, and by 202 BCE Xiang Yu was trapped in Gaixia and surrounded by Han forces on all sides.
He attempted to break out of the encirclement and eventually arrived at the bank of the Wu River, where he made a last stand before committing suicide.
After Xiang Yu's death, China was unified under Liu Bang's rule, and Liu granted Han Xin the title of "King of Chu" in recognition of his contributions. Months later, Liu Bang was proclaimed "Emperor" and became known as "Emperor Gaozu of Han
Demotion
During the formation of the new Han Dynasty, Han Xin's boss Liu Bang declared himself Emperor Gaozu. Emperor Gaozu, awarded lands and vassals to his family members and generals that served him during the Chu - Han Contention.
All these political manoeuvres were done by Emperor Gaozu to appease those entitled to their rewards.
Han Xin was enfeoffed as the King of Chu. However, he feared that the Generals that served him may plot a rebellion. Especially highly reputable and skilled Generals like Han Xin and Peng Yue.
Much later,
It was said, Han Xin was accused of harbouring a refugee named Zhongli Mo who was one of Xiang Yu's generals. As they knew each other and had a past friendship. Apparently, Han Xin protected him and let him stay in his territory.
Emperor Gaozu heard about it and ordered the capture of Zhongli Mo, but Han Xin refused.
A year later, Emperor Gaozu heard rumours that Han Xin was plotting a rebellion. He immediately ordered his arrest.
Han Xin was advised that if he were to present Zhongli Mo's head to Emperor Gaozu, then he would be happy and spare him.
Han Xin then met Zhongli Mo to decide their next course of action and brought up this idea. Zhongli Mo then promptly slit his own throat.
Han Xin brought Zhongli Mo's severed head to Gaozu and explained his innocence, but Gaozu ordered Han to be arrested.
Han Xin exclaimed,
It is true when people say: The hunting dog becomes food as well after it is used to hunt game; a good bow is discarded when there are no birds left for shooting; an advisor dies after he helps his lord conquer a rival kingdom. Now that the empire is in place, I no longer serve any purpose!
Liu Bang's only response was: "Someone claimed you had rebelled", and proceeded to cuff Han Xin and bring him back to Luoyang.
Although Gaozu pardoned Han Xin and released him later, he still demoted Han from "King of Chu" to "Marquis of Huaiyin".
Death of Han Xin
After his demotion, Emperor Gaozu's distrust of Han Xin increased. Hence, to reduce Gaozu's suspicions, Han Xin pretends to be ill and stays low for some time.
Around 197 BCE, Chen Xi (Marquis of Yangxia) met Han Xin before leaving for Julu, where Han Xin promptly pulled him aside, dismissing all nearby servants.
He promised to aid Chen Xi from inside the capital if Chen Xi were to start an uprising against the Han Dynasty.
Not long after, Chen Xi rebelled and Gaozu personally led an army to suppress the rebellion, while Han Xin claimed sickness and stayed behind.
While Gaozu was away, one of Han Xin's household servants offended him, so Han Xin locked him up as punishment. The servant's young brother gave news of Han Xin's desire to rebel to Empress Lü Zhi, who then plotted with Xiao He to lure Han Xin into a trap.
They pretended that Gaozu had returned from successfully suppressing the rebellion and that there would be a feast to celebrate.
Xiao He managed to persuade Han Xin to come to Changle Palace, where the Empress lived, and he was bound and executed as soon as he stepped through the doors. Han Xin's clan was also exterminated on the Empress's orders as well.
Upon return from his campaign, Gaozu expressed both relief and regret when he learnt of Han Xin's death.
He asked the Empress for Han Xin's last words, which were, "I regret not listening to Kuai Che's advice, and now I have been deceived by such vile people. This is the heaven's will!"
Why was Han Xin executed?
Many historians believe Han Xin,
Outshine his master. Han Xin was very vocal about his capabilities and achievements. That may be perceived as being arrogant. Which definitely offended his Liu Bang.
Did not come to aid his boss, Liu Bang, when his boss was in a battle with Xiang Yu. Instead, he demanded to be an acting King of Qi.
Did not obey orders. Liu Bang told Han Xin and Peng Yue to encircle the enemy and make an attack. But they did not mobilise their troops. Liu Bang's troops engaged in the battle and loss.
There is a very high probability Liu Bang's distrust has been brewing since the Chu - Han Contention.
Once Liu Bang declared himself Emperor Gaozu and from the Qin Dynasty, he could have probably planned to execute Han Xin.
Han Xin may be known for his art of war skills, but he does have his flaws.
Join is on the journey and learn The Art Of War and discover why this philosophy is still being used today by leaders and business people.
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